DONALD J. DRAGONY

Alex N. Sill Co., Seven Hills

CFO OF THE YEAR: FINALIST

During his 28 years with the Alex N. Sill Co., Donald J. Dragony often has amazed the public insurance adjusting firm's executive leadership with his spot-on financial forecasts. In an industry filled with so many unknowns, such a feat is remarkable.

Mr. Dragony's knack for financial forecasting is one of the reasons the firm has experienced such high profitability during his nearly three-decade stint with the company, according to the nomination.

He's also steered the company through thick and thin. For example, during an economic slump in the early 1990s, Mr. Dragony was in charge of closing unsuccessful offices in Dayton, Houston, New York and Chicago and did so “without jeopardizing the bloodline of the company.” Profits rebounded shortly thereafter, according to the nomination.

“His department has learned to follow his example,” the nomination said. “His leadership style is to present the problem to all and listen to alternatives gathered. He does not operate in a vacuum.”

Mr. Dragony not only has the in-depth technical knowledge needed to be a successful CFO but also the personality required to manage relationships.

According to the nomination, Mr. Dragony generates roughly 20% of the company's revenue by servicing clients in need of consulting services on insurance-related business interruption claims for the policyholder. He's received numerous recommendation letters from clients over the years for his exemplary service.

Well-known brokers from around the city and country often call on Mr. Dragony for advice. He's offered numerous expert reports and testified in court at least 10 times. He also maintains all of his licensures far above the minimum requirements and teaches others through seminars or whenever asked.

Mr. Dragony's files also are meticulously organized and his litigation support files are, according to the nomination, unparalleled.

“It is his dedication and determination to only do a job well, or not do it at all,” the nomination said.

Mr. Dragony's only weakness, if one could characterize it as such, is his inability to say “no” to a request for help at the workplace — an attribute that carries over to his personal life. Mr. Dragony volunteers for several organizations, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation, St. John Medical Center and St. Bernadette's Church in Westlake.

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